JDincalif

It IS refreshing, isn't it? chengkp75 and Heidi13 are two of our favorite trusted sources here on CC.

Yes! Can't put our finger precisely on why this is, but it's our perception as well.

Along with The Den, a upscale bar, the former casino space now has a fair amount of comfortable chairs and tables for socializing or just chilling.

Hurtigruten excursions are offered in some of the ports, but these aren't easily discernable from the timetable. For example, southbound Kristiansund shows 15 minutes in port, but passengers can disembark for a coach tour of the the town of Kristiansund, the Atlantic Ocean Road, a stave church, and dinner, meeting up with and re-embarking the ship in Molde. It's worth perusing the offered excursions on the Hurtigruten website to see the various land experiences available on this route. You can find excursion options on the website by opening the daily itinerary, then selecting a port for a description of the port and a sampling of excursions in or from that port. It's fascinating to sail in and out of so many small ports that may not be major tourist attractions but provide a glimpse of everyday life along the fjords. And generally the ports one sails into at night in one direction will be daytime stops on the return trip and vice versa. The crew wear many hats - we observed our dinner waiter operating a forklift later in the evening, delivering mail and essential goods to the ports. Accomodations and services are fairly spartan compared to conventional cruise lines. The Hurtigruten experience may not be for everyone, but we've thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Norway this way.

Suite guests have automatic reservations at Rost for every meal every day of the cruise - it's one of the suite level perks. For suite guests, the only 'reservations' necessary are to meet with the host on the first day to select one's table and dinner dining time(s) - breakfast and lunch are open seating for suite guests.

As GC mentioned before, Hurtigruten cabins/staterooms are in general smaller than those on conventional cruise lines. But the suites are beautifully appointed. And, as also mentioned before, if one's only cruise experiences have been on conventional cruise lines, one should carefully research the differences before committing to a Hurtigruten voyage.

Rost is great - fine dining and spectacular views. We've posted a photo of the view from our table. It's a five to seven course tasting menu of Nordic foods, each course paired with a specially chosen wine, beer, cider, or spirit - creative and delicious. Basically, Rost is the main dining room for suite guests, who do not have to book in advance. At the start of the voyage, suite guests are asked only to select their table, which is theirs for the entire voyage, and to provide their desired dinner dining time(s). Suite guests are also asked to let Rost staff know if they're planning to dine elsewhere in the evening so that their tables can be freed up for non suite guests. Non suite guests can check with the host each day to ask about availability. DIY laundry was kind of a pain since there's only one laundry room with a limited number of machines. But it all got done, we met some entertaining people in the laundry room, and it was worth it to have this special adventure on the Trollfjord.

GC: Yours is an excellent summary of what was possibly our favorite voyage ever, the Svalbard Express on Trollfjord last September. We agree that it's important to thoroughly research the Hurtigruten differences before committing. It's not a typical cruise line but it provides a satisfying experience for those who go in with understanding. (Edited to add: We've been on seven Oceania voyages, several on Regatta and also on Nautica, Insignia and Riviera. We enjoyed each of them, yet find plenty to recommend about the Trollfjord.) Most of the cabins are small and rather spartan*, dining for most cabin categories is breakfast/lunch buffet with assigned seating at dinner (other dining options are available, most at additional charge), only self serve laundry is available. Yet the onboard programs with emphasis on nature and culture, the excursions offered and the more in-depth experience of the Norwegian coast all make for a memorable voyage. Staff are familiar with attractions and services at each port, with true insider recommendations and assistance even to the point of calling a taxi for us from the ship for a spontaneous adventure. *We opted at embarkation to take advantage of an offer to upgrade to a Grand Suite. The total price ended up being less than half of what we would have paid had we booked that category in advance. Our suite was about 400 sq ft with drapes that could divide the space into separate sleeping and living room areas. The bow window, projecting beyond the side of the ship, gave nearly 180° views of the astonishing scenery from comfortable armchairs. Dining at Rost, the Arctic fine dining restaurant, was included for every meal, although suite guests could opt to dine at any of the restaurants. And Hurtigruten even gave each suite passenger a Dale of Norway sweater, a wool cap and a Hurtigruten anorak - good quality clothing for the conditions we encountered and fine mementoes of the voyage each time we use them. An example of what, for us, made this voyage unique: We were fortunate to have several nights of astonishing auroral displays, one commencing in the early evening as we sailed in protected waters. The captain slowed the ship for a couple of hours while we passengers were able take it all in on deck without being buffeted by wind. Similarly, approaching Longyearbyen, the captain slowed the ship into gentle 360° views of the magnificent Isfjorden. Ny Alesund: silvery skies and dazzling glaciers contrasting with bronze autumnal tundra - unforgettable. Hope that some of this might help as you decide what's right for you.

Another option, though not near Spain, is this August 2026 Viking Ocean itinerary from New York to Reykjavik that will be in the path of totality. https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/iconic-iceland-greenland-canada/pricing.html#modal/OVL260803iconic-iceland-greenland-canada

Key West is one of those ports prone to cancellation due to high winds. If it's a must-see, better to drive or fly there.

Six years after: Warm thoughts and good wishes to all who were there and with whom we've shared this enjoyable little online community.

Thanks for sharing this entertaining video. We had the great pleasure of sailing with Captain Carl Smith on a different Azamara voyage. He made even the most mundane announcements something to anticipate.

As always, we deeply appreciate your informed, expert, reasoned responses on topics such as these.

The Thon Hotel Opera is also a good choice, located directly opposite the Oslo Central Station entrance. Great location, great breakfasts.

Viking *does* provide refunds but only under the most extraordinary circumstances, not simply for port changes or cancellations due to weather.

Viking Ocean ships have amazing thermal spas - for which there's no extra charge - with cold water bucket showers, saunas, 'snow' rooms, luxe showers, and warm soothing ambiance.

Having been on the Viking Sky during the near disaster and having observed the enormous resources expended by Norway in our rescue, we consider this to be reasonable regulation

The applicable law is the Passenger Vessel Services Act. We'll leave it to others to weigh in on its implications in your case.

Almost six years later, the concerns and lessons of the Viking Sky near-disaster continue to have an impact on the cruise industry. David Nikel for Forbes: "The Norwegian Coastal Administration has proposed a set of rules that would restrict large cruise ships from sailing through hazardous waters during storms, raising concerns over the viability of Norway cruises, especially in the off-season." Norway Cruises Could Be At Risk From Stricter Weather Safety Rules

Please don't let this ruin your cruise. If this is an issue related to the medical device being a potentially dutiable article, you can complete paperwork and arrange for inspection prior to your travel. This CBP article is 5 years old but links to the current Form 4457 - Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad.

Thanks for allowing us to follow you on your voyage. We'll be factoring in your experiences and suggestions as we prepare for this itinerary in February 2025.

We'd never heard of "jeep ducking" but after we confirmed that it's not a euphemism for something weird it sounds like fun😅

I remember a similar ceremony on our March 2019 voyage. Viking has the most "immersive" arctic circle ceremony of all the ones we've witnessed on various cruise lines.

Between the UHT discussion and your description of a milk float, a quote from the old "Father Ted" comedy comes to mind: "Milk gets sour, you know. Unless it's UHT milk. But there's no demand for that because it's shite."

Learned about freezing milk only recently. So nice to have on hand for morning coffee after arriving home late the night before.